The ongoing strict lockdown across the country has been extended for five more days till August 10 amid the alarming rise of Covid-19 fatalities and infections in the country.

The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial virtual meeting on Covid-19 situation with Liberation War Affair Minister AKM Mozammel Haque on Tuesday.

Public transports, markets and shopping malls will be reopened from August 11, said the minister in a briefing after the meeting.

On July 30, the government allowed industry owners to reopen all export-oriented factories from August 1 amid the nationwide lockdown.

DGHS suggested the ongoing stringent lockdown for extension after August 5 for at least 10 days otherwise the situation will be worsened.

Earlier, after an 8-day break before Eid-ul-Azha, the government again imposed lockdown from July 23 until August 5.